Dr. Kuhn, the BaSys 4.0 project came to an end last June. What has happened since then?

Dr. Thomas Kuhn: The end of the BaSys 4.0 project was immediately followed by another funded project entitled BaSys 4.2. We have of course continued to develop the open source middleware in the meantime. The focus of the project is now on the integration of devices and data models, as well as on models. Capability models are very important here. These models describe the capabilities of devices and their components and are used to plan and optimize production.

The BMBF is now reopening the funding pot with the aim of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the introduction of Industry 4.0. What exactly is planned?

Making the BaSys middleware available as open source is an important step towards supporting the implementation of Industry 4.0. However, small and medium-sized companies in particular also need support with the implementation of specific Industry 4.0 challenges. This can be, for example, the modernization of a production line for Industry 4.0, the integration of existing machines into an Industry 4.0 environment, but also the development of a new automation solution based on BaSys, for example. With its announcement 'Further development of the BaSys 4.0 software system in application', the BMBF would like to support these companies in particular in the application of BaSys 4. A funding pot is provided for this purpose. A maximum funding amount of 750,000 euros is possible per project.

What is the planned time frame and what do the companies themselves have to contribute?

The BaSys satellite projects are generally funded over a period of two years. There are currently two deadlines for submitting project outlines. These are 15.07.2020 and 15.01.2021. The companies must contribute 50% of their own costs. Project outlines that are submitted by 15.07.2020 and have received a positive assessment will be invited to submit a full application this year and can then presumably start work this year.

What should companies interested in such a project do now?

Ideally, they should take part in one of the - currently virtual - information events explaining BaSys 4 and the funding opportunities within the satellites. There are still several events here. Companies and research partners often come together in consortia to jointly submit a project outline. These events are therefore well suited to finding potential consortium partners. We also provide a recording with information on our YouTube channel. It also makes sense to talk to one of the consortium members from the BaSys project in advance to check the feasibility of your own idea. We at Fraunhofer IESE are happy to review ideas free of charge.

What are the distant goals that are still in the pipeline?

The distant goals we are currently working on are the definition and standardization of data exchange between Industry 4.0 players. A very important challenge here is a common language that will then also enable cross-company data exchange. We are also working on virtual commissioning and the virtual optimization of production facilities.

The BaSys 4.0 project

The BaSys project implements an open source Industry 4.0 middleware that can and may be integrated into own products and solutions. This provides a technological basis for the rapid implementation of Industrie 4.0 solutions, as well as realized standards such as the administration shell of the Industrie 4.0 platform and the concept of management components. Fraunhofer IESE is also actively involved in the development and standardization of these concepts, for example in committees of the Industrie 4.0 platform.